Actor Bradley Cooper has signed on to revisit his role as severely-deformed John Merrick in a new production of The Elephant Man.

The Hangover hunk first starred as the disfigured Merrick at the Actors Studio Drama School as part of his senior thesis, and now he's stepping back into the role for a limited stage run at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts this summer (12).

The play, which was first staged in 1977, tells the real-life story of Merrick, who's shocking appearance and medical diagnosis fascinated the world and led to him becoming a societal fixture in London during the Victorian era.

Cooper's turn will run from 25 July (12) to 5 August (12), according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Elephant Man was previously adapted for the big screen by David Lynch in 1980. John Hurt took over the title role. (c) WENN